Review of Nutrihub Webinar - An Integrative Approach to Migraine Management

  Published to Latest News on Apr 13, 2022

As a long-term migraineur, I’m always interested in finding out if there’s something new I can try to help me manage them. Dr Elisabeth Philipps presented this webinar on an integrative approach to migraine management, which included information on underlying causes, links between diet, the nervous system, hormones and circadian rhythms in migraine attacks, whether the endocannabinoid system plays a role in attacks, and approaches to managing migraines from diet, supplementary nutrients and integrated therapies.

There were plenty of infographics to illustrate causes of migraines, brain chemistry and therapeutic approaches, which I always find useful in helping consolidate my understanding. The last time I consulted a GP the general consensus was that they didn’t really know what caused the throbbing pain and other symptoms of the migraine, but it was thought to be blood vessels contracting or relaxing and affecting blood flow and leading to pain. Current research now focuses on changes in neurotransmitter signalling and neuronal hyperexcitability leading to those nasty symptoms every migraineur dreads.

One area I wanted to know more about is the use of CBD oil in managing migraines. Dr Philipps is one of the leading experts in the country on the endocannabinoid system and presented interesting information on how CBD oil might help. She presented studies that have identified dysregulation in the endocannabinoid system and lower levels of the intrinsic endocannabinoid (anandamide) in migraine patients’ CSF and plasma. CBD has been shown to inhibit the breakdown of anandamide, thus leaving more floating around to help with things such as a reduction in anxiety and pain, and an increase in quality of sleep. I’ve since bought some CBD oil to try, and initial thoughts are that it is helpful.  

I didn’t discover any new supplements (CBD aside) but was reassured that those I do take have research backing up their use. A mix of B2, magnesium and Co-Q10 are still the main ones, but add to that Omega 3, folate, probiotics, vitamin D and Feverfew. Lifestyle measures that may help include things such as regular sleep, deep breathing, good hydration and stress reduction. Posture and jaw tension were also mentioned, and tips for how to minimise the effects of these as triggers. One study cited showed Acupuncture to be at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy, plus Botox has been shown to be helpful, and this is now available on the NHS. I was also reminded of the importance of keeping a migraine diary to identify triggers and helpful strategies for managing migraines. Altogether a useful webinar on this subject.

Annabel Caulfield